I. The history -- The propitious telephone call -- Growing up in Baltimore -- People who shaped Baldwin's life -- Ruby Ross Wood -- New York City -- Friends -- Interior decoration -- Baldwin & Martin, Inc. -- Clients -- Commercial contracts -- Gains and losses -- The other island -- II. The "decorating today" lectures -- Introduction -- Lecture 1: The beginning of the project -- Lecture 2: The bones of a room -- Lecture 3: The elements of decoration -- Lecture 4: The personal touch.